So maybe we magazine people are responsible for the race-replica explosion that began with the original GSX-R750, but I don't think so. All we are, really, are a bunch of motorcycle nuts, and those bikes were the ones that got us-along with everybody else with a pulse-really enthused lo those many years ago. They still do. (And if we wield that much influence, how do you explain Harley-Davidson's market share?)
Nope, R1s and GSX-Rs and 996 Ducatis continue to sell because, apart from their performance, they gain their buyers entry into that colorful fantasy world populated by daring young men with interesting facial hair and sweet umbrella girls-the international moto jet-set. Hey, if I'm riding this thing, I must be daring and ruggedly good-looking too, right? A nonconformist, laughing at danger and convention. Hah!
Right, Marvin. And after, say, oh, 16 years of that, you'll be ready to appreciate this new Bandit 1200S. If motorcycles can be wise, this one is. It should cost more than $7399.
Suzuki Bandit 1200S
| MSRP | $7399 |
| Warranty | 12 months,unlimited miles |
| Colors | silver, maroon |
| Engine |
| Type | air/oil-cooled inline four |
| Valve arrangement | dohc, 16v |
| Bore x stroke | 79.0 x 59.0mm |
| Displacement | 1157cc |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Carburetion | four 36mm Mikuni constant-velocity |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Final drive | #530 chain |
| Chassis |
| Frame | double-cradle steel tube |
| Weight | 543 lb. (wet) 511 lb. (fuel tank empty) |
| Fuel capacity | 5.3 gal. (20L) |
| Suspension, front | 43mm forkadjustable forspring preload |
| Suspension, rear | single shock adjustablefor spring preload andrebound damping |
| Brake, front | dual six-piston calipers,310mm discs |
| Brake, rear | two-piston caliper, 240mm disc |
| Tire, front | 120/70ZR17Michelin Macadam 90X |
| Tire, rear | 180/55ZR17 Michelin Macadam 90X |
Details, Details
Thumbing one's petcock is a reassuring thing
Having a centerstand is sweet
Passengers welcome (hold on tight)
Nice, light clutch pull
Stepped preload adjuster out back
| Performance |
| Corrected 1/4-mile* | 11.15 sec. @ 121.79 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 2.97 sec. |
| 0-100 mph | 7.46 sec. |
| Top-gear roll-on, 60-80 mph | 4.02 sec. |
| Power to weight ratio** | 7.0 lb/hp |
| Fuel mileage (low/high/average) | 34/44/40 |
| Cruising range (exc. reserve) | 172 miles |